MHS Crier | Issue 8 | 2.14.19

issue eight

volume 54

CRIER

munster high school

8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321

Culinary Arts

Feb. 14, 2020

Army National Guard Computer technology

When I grow up, I want to go into...

Broadcasting and Communications

In light of Career Day, students share what they want to be in the future Alyssa Bass Managing Editor

Business

Six career fields, sixteen career clusters, thousands of jobs. From freshman to senior, students have the rest of their high school years to plan out their future and decide what they want to be. This can be a challenging feat for some students, but for others like Israel Melendez, senior, he has been on the same career track since before high school to go into broadcasting and communications.

“Since I was in kindergarten, I always had a passion of creating stories with photography and videos,” Israel said. “Whenever I’m behind a camera, I just feel so creative and it was something I cared about so much. I enjoy studying movies and how they were written and directed. Even the technical aspects of course, but the main thing that attracted me was the aesthetic. I find a huge passion in just the cinematography of film making and writing.”

Today was Career Day, meant to help students choose what they want to do, or show students who already know what they want to do, what a day in the life or their career is like.

“I think it gives you a good kind of perspective of what that career choice that you may want to go into,” Mr. Mike Wells, Principal, said.

Nursing

continued on page 3 illustration by Lana Salahieh and Charlie Hofferth

Teaching

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Munster High School Crier

Feb. 14, 2019

SIDENOTE

Cheer team prepares for Turnabout Pep Rally performance

photo by Madi Green

DOWN TO THE WIRE Working diligently on a piece for his event, Todd McKechnie, junior, prepares for an invitational tomorrow. Todd is sautering together his detector. “In this event I have to design and build my own thermometer to measure the temperature of different samples of water,” Todd said. “I like Science Olympiad because there are so many different events that you can do, and we have a really good program here at Munster High School.”

Up and running Science Olympiad talks organization and dynamic of its competition season

Mercedez Williams Executive Editor

Over the course of 23 events, it becomes necessary that critical thinkers come together and decode ciphers, build protein models, or solve different crime scenarios. These critical thinkers come together in Science Olympiad.

Competition days are full of various emotions, and like most teams, Science Olympiad wants to win and have fun.

“Competitions are always super tense, but also a lot of fun,” Sophie Hand, senior, said, “Just like with any other sport or team, we’ve been preparing for so long and just want to perform our best when we get to a competition. We also have a lot of fun in between events just hanging out in the home base room or going to watch other people’s build events if we have a free period.”

There is also a dynamic that reminds us that after all, even the most critical thinkers are still teenagers.

“Everyone is hyped up, they are running about, excited for the day,” Cameron Adams, senior, said, “Everyone is wide awake and bushy

tailed. I think it is one of the best atmospheres. Everyone is always happy to be there and there is no animosity between teams.”

To add variety to the partners who work together, the captains of Science Olympiad come together, and choose who does what event (based on the events that the member knows how to do), and gives them a partner accordingly.

“Before every competition, we the captains devise a schedule for all the teams,” Cameron said, “We sort the teams based on availability and giving people chances to work with new partners. We have three main teams: red, black and white.

We look at who does what events, and then we pair them accordingly. So it’s not always that we want to try people in new places or try to have new partners. It is just to see how some

“

Just like with any other sport or team, we’ve been preparing for so long and just want to perform our best when we get to a competition

On a national level Erianna Sims Page Editor

The immense hours of practice and focused preparation from the regular season have resulted in great success, as Speech enters the heart of their postseason. Five of Munster’s Varsity Speech competitors are in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to compete in a national tournament at Harvard University starting today through Monday.

“I’ve never gone to Harvard, but based on the results we’ve been getting, we’ve been doing really well,” Sami Muhrez, senior, said. “We’re all looking for really good critiques and feedback.”

Sami, along with others, know how important consistency is in Speech, using any available periods during the day to practice.

people do in these events or make sure people have their specific events. It’s not always 100 percent that we want to put one person with another. Let’s see how they work together. And maybe we can do the same thing later on in another tournament.”

Science Olympiad also helps the team members outside the club, which the average student may not think of with academic teams, but.

“It (Science Olympiad) helped me figure out that I wanted to major in

- Sophie Hand, senior

biology.” Anya Fitzpatrick, senior, said, “And I think it has helped me a bit with school, being exposed to so many more types of testing (in Science Olympiad).

But we also have practices, where we do a lot of random stuff. That team culture that we have developed is just nice to be around.”

Past state championsdiscuss upcoming Harvard national tournament

“This is my fourth and final year on in. Nothing is guaranteed. However, the speech team and I am lucky enough in order to achieve an elite level of to be the president,” Noel Fary, senior, performance, you have to be willing said. “I will be competing in Humor, to put in the commitment and work.

Duo, and Drama at Harvard.”

Results will not simply come to you.

Noel Fary has at- Members attending: Be willing to grind.” tended the Harvard Mr. Jordan MaySami Muhrez - Humor, Drama competition for three Noel Fary - Humor, Drama, Duo er, Speech coach, has years, and enjoys Alyssa Nahnsen - Drama, Duo seen tremendous competing with oth- Charlie Mason - Humor, Drama, Duo growth in their abiliers across the nation Drew Westland - Humor ties both individually Aidan Chism - Congressional Debate surrounded by sup- Cynthia Chockalingam -Congressional and as a team. They eagerly look towards portive coaches and Debate the future realizing friends.

“I cherish the friendships and mem- they have the potential to make it to ories I’ve made,” Noel said. “My big- the national competition.

“I get very excited to see some gest goal this year was to simply have fun and truly take in the entirety of students build their confidence my last year on the team. Speech is when they go up against the stronone of the most subjective and unpre- gest competitors in the country,” Mr. dictable activities you can participate Mayer said.

Before the sparkling disco lights and the lively dance floor of Turnabout, will be the pep rally session, next Friday. The pep rally will start at 2 p.m. and last until the end of the day, featuring many different activities.

Clubs will get the chance to talk about some of their various accomplishments and give the student body an update on what’s coming up next, a teacher versus student dodgeball game, performances by both the dance and cheer teams, and finally, the crowning of the Turnabout King.

The cheer team is amongst many who are excited for this pep rally, as they will be doing a competition level performance routine.

“The cheer team has been preparing for this pep rally routine for weeks,” Mianna Papageorge, senior, said. “It’s basically like a competition routine with high elite stunts, a pyramid, and a very cool dance. I’m very excited because we get to perform and show off all of our skills in front of the entire school.”

Class periods for the pep rally will be 40 minutes long, and there is a slight change in their order.

Schedule for Feb. 21 Period 1 7:35 - 8:15 Period 2 8:22 - 9:02 Period 3 9:09 - 9:49 Period 7 9:56 - 10:36 Period 4 10:43 - 11:23 Period 5 11:30 - 12:10 Period 6 12:17 - 12:57 Period 8 1:04 - 1:45

Poetry slam takes place this Sunday at Sip in Highland from 5-7 p.m.

Drinks ready and poems in hand, Poetry Club is prepared for their slam event at local Sip Coffee House.

Scheduled for Sunday, club members are excited to perform their slam pieces. Although participation is not required, six people are set to be featured, including the poetry club sponsor, Mr. Benjamin Boruff, English teacher. New to the school and club this year, Mr. Boruff is impressed by the nature of the club.

“At my old school I was a sponsor of a number of clubs, but none of them were this student driven,” Mr. Boruff said. “I was pretty impressed. The officers are doing a great job.”

In terms of the slam, members are anticipating a decent attendance, they are looking forward to the new learning experience.

“I am very excited,” Mr. Boruff said. “I think being able to see poems performed in a more public and official setting will be a good motivator for everybody, and help us, from Sip and on, know what to work on and tweak.”

Corrections In issue 7 of Crier on page 2 the pie chart, “Do you think ads should have access to your location for ad based purposes?” should show 19.3 percent yes and 80.7 percent no. Additionally on page 2, Isaiah Rosinski is a junior.

On page 5, 23 percent of people incorrectly identified Iraq. On page 8, Fred Flintstone was misspelled.

Additionally on page 8, Andrew Klaich’s birthday is March 10th. Crier regrets these errors.

Feb. 14,2020

continued from front

reer and be in the medical field. Also when I become a nurse in the future, I’ll already have experience “It kind of gives you a background of what kind of and knowledge in the field because of the hospital schooling you need. What is the typical day in the internship.” life of that profession? What is it? What do they do?

Students are allowed to go to the commons during So you’re going to hear all of those types of things, lunch and MRT/long lunch to check out the different what that would entail, and it may not interest STEM displays. There will be representatives from somebody who thought that they would want to go Purdue Northwest STEM on the road show, NASA into that field. And you actually get to hear from that exhibits, Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboprofessional to see if it’s something that they’d be ratory), and the Challenger interested in.”

Learning Center, as well Besides Career day, students are ofas College Board and Ivy Nick Godinez, sophomore, shares fered specific classes, and internships Tech. why he wants to become a chef that cater to their careers beyond The last career day was high school. Things like the Area Ca- “Since I was a little kid, I alsix years ago, making this reer Center and extracurricular clubs ways cooked with my family. the first for all of the stucan provide students with hands on body, it has also been My cousin went into cooking dent training with their profession.

5 years since the Purdue “Since I want to focus in Spanish, school and I looked up to Northwest on the road I’m in Spanish IV right now,” Ashley him for it just seems like a show.

Nita, junior and planning to go into “I don’t think anyone really cool job to do.” the business field, said. “I’ll be in the has seen the stem on the IU Honors program in the summer, so road show,” Mr. Wells said I’ll be going to Spain to study. I’m also in DECA, and “Which will be it’ll be neat to see the kids will really I’ve been asking my dad whenever I have business enjoy seeing that. Seeing the college kids with all of questions, or anything I find interesting about busi- their devices and cars and robots a bill.” ness, I try to research.”

Along with STEM exhibits and insights into differStudents that go to the Hammond ACC, find that ent careers, students like Jake Whitaker, senior, plan it helps them further their experience with hands on to go into the Army National Guard. Though Jake training. already knows what field he is going into, he finds “I started diving into real professional work once I career day helpful for all grades. started going to the Hammond Career Center,” Isra“I feel like for seniors, most of us already know el said. “Now that I am a second year, I gained a lot what we want to do,” Jake said. “Career Day is really of knowledge and skills after picking up this course. just helping us get information on what we want to Being able to already go out and do real shoots, like do. For freshmen, it’s more finding the career path weddings and dances, I feel like I’m finally progress- that they want to go down. Most seniors have a gening but it’s only the beginning. There is no rush to eral idea of what they want to do, but if they don’t, success so I know I have to be patient and keep on then they are in the same boat as the freshmen.” gaining experience later.”

Along with helping students figure out what they Along with ACC, clubs like DECA, and honors want to do and give an insight about the job, Career classes, students wanting to go into the medical field Day provides personal insight to their occupation, also have the opportunity to gain first hand experi- according to Ashley Wills, senior, who plans on beence. coming a early education teacher.

“It has allowed me to train and have experience by “Career Day will benefit me because I will be able observing and learning about every department and to hear stories from people who went down a similar the different medical careers there are,” Stephany career path to me,” Ashley said. “I’ll be able to hear Camacho, senior and planning to go into the medical stories about their experiences and how I can be prefield, said. “I believe that it has been really beneficial pared for the future. I will hopefully be able to use in confirming that I do want to do this as a future ca- that knowledge in my own classroom one day.”

Dream job

Munster High School Crier

3n e w s

Choosing the right path

MRT and extended lunch students are allowed to go to the commons after attendance to view the exhibits Ivy Tech Community College’s Next Level Jobs program “Gives students the opportunity to earn a free credential from Ivy Tech, setting them up to take the next steps towards employment in one of five high-demand job fields where Indiana employers are currently looking to fill positions.”

PNW STEM on the Road Show “Brings high school students in contact with college students involved with PNW’s engineering and technology competition teams, along with those doing scientific research in biology, chemistry, physics, and forensics. University students set up their vehicles and research demonstrations for students to experience.”

Challenger Learning Center “Give students the opportunity to learn more about STEM careers. Students can test themselves by completing some Cool Circuits, making an art piece come to life using Quiver, or try their hands at a house of Cards STEM challenge all while learning more about their STEM interest.”

A College Board exhibit “Will provide students to search for internships in a variety of fields and industries throughout Indiana.

Students can search.”

A Fermilab Scientist

“Will be on hand to discuss science and engineering applications in the workplace.”

Indiana INTERNnet “A free service that allows students to search for internships in a variety of fields and industries throughout Indiana.”

NASA exhibits “Features several artifacts from the Apollo Missions.” source: Kelly Hladek, media specialist

Almost a wrap Yearbook finishes last book deadline next week, moves to work on Spring Supplement Alexis Lindenmayer Editor-in-Chief

Take Your World and Redefine It. This year’s yearbook theme focuses on all of the new things that came and redefined MHS this school year. Demetrios Fotopoulos, junior and yearbook Editor-in-Chief, describes what led to the theme decision.

“One of the big things that we had in mind for the theme this year is that we wanted it to reflect all the changes and new things that are coming around Munster,” Demetrios said. “The school was completely redefined at the beginning of the year and painted red, so it reflects that spirit that we’ve added to Munster. However, it also reflects the idea that if there’s something in your world that you want to change, you have the ability to control it, take charge and literally take your world and redefine it.”

Happy Spring

photo by Max Lindenmayer

Explanation of the Spring Supplement

32 pages: covers Spring sports, Battle of the Bands, Prom, and other Spring activities Printing the yearbook takes 12 weeks, so the staff has to submit everything they can by March 2 to get the book on May 14. Everything that happens between March and May has to go in the supplement, a magazine to be glued in the back cover.

“In 20, 50 or even 100 years, people will look back on the yearbook as the historical record of this school year.

The yearbook staff takes this responsibility seriously and have been working super hard to give the students a wonderful book that covers as much as possible and as many students as possible.”

- Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman Publications Adviser

CHECK IT OUT Last week during 5th hour yearbook, Riley Ramirez, sophomore, corrects proofs from the past deadline.

Proofs are crucial to the yearbook in that they are tests to see how everything lays on the page. Edits are made to proofs too. “This past deadline was very stressful, but worth it in the end,” Riley said. “It taught me a lot about how every small detail matters.”

Safety in numbers

Paragon by the numbers

. 176 pages, so the book with the is 208 total pages . supplement 20 staff members . Meets during 5th hour .. 5 weeks of deadlines, throughout the year

20 hours after school on a typical deadline week

Behind the scenes

Tasks that yearbook staffers have to do before the book can get into student’s hands

.Check the spelling of all student’s names .Find people to interview in depth about their .stories Document all sports, life in school (academics, clubs, events) and life outside school through reporting and photography

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Munster High School Crier

Feb. 14, 2020

A Change of Perspective

students share personal opinions and experiences involving racism for the third installment of Breaking the silence.

opinion by Atarah Israel

The day I realized being black equated to walking with a target on my back began like any other. I was eight at the time, and the most pressing issue on my mind was the prospects of my next read and the contents of my school lunch.

This all changed the day I stumbled upon a book regarding the Civil Rights Movement. The book contained a collection of photos, most of them images of notable figures I had learned about every February. One picture, however, caught my eye. I gaped at it in bewilderment. To my horror, a group of white-hooded men stared back at me. From that day forward, I was awakened to the danger of being black, and even more so to my lack of ability to protect myself from it.

Throughout my school career I have experienced numerous racially charged scenarios, but I have always returned to that second grade moment. It was that same memory I recalled during my first instance of major racial clash in high school; the day a close friend of mine became a foe.

Teasing banter was typical of our messages, but one text transformed friendly jests into hurtful comments. Despite their intention of amusement and laughs, I was hurt, embarrassed and offended by what they sent me. My friend soon apologized after—and the relationship was mended—but the damage was done; my eyes were opened to the racially charged humor of the majority of my friends. I soon recognized a pattern; if I was not the butt of the joke, another person of color was.

The most common jokes were quick and easily undetected unless an effort was made to address them. Most of them were made in an effort to show comradery, but always resulted in successfully isolating me. All of them, no matter the intention, have stuck with me in ways that now seem unforgettable.

I can recount numerous occasions of racism with ease—a friend’s comment on my hair or a slip of tongue regarding my darker complexion. With time, these comments became faceless, and the words merged to form a single message of unwelcome and lack of respect. To avoid adding insult to a friend already injured by a society infected with racist ideologies, a conversation must be started.

Additionally, this conversation must actively include minorities, as well as the stories they are willing to share. Both sides must be open to comment and critique and must share the common goal of mending a divided society.

CRIER

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443; or via fax at 219836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence.

Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

•Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

•Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters

guest opinion by Sana Khan

I first learned I was Asian in preschool. I had obviously always been Asian—I ate rice for dinner every night and spoke two languages at home— but up until then, I had assumed it was a normal experience for the typical American family to speak with an accent and get insulted by McDonald’s managers.

Needless to say, my first experiences with race and ethnicity were particularly confusing, as being Desi was never something I thought about, mostly because I assumed that everyone lived the way my family and I did. To make matters worse, there was only one other brown girl in my class throughout elementary school, and we were constantly confused for the other, even when I wore thick glasses and had at least five more inches of hair.

This went on for years until we started to have a more diverse student body.

There have always been expectations my white classmates placed on us when grouping us under this label. We do well in school, we are socially awkward, we can not leave the house until we are 35-years-old—the usual. These stereotypes become increasingly frustrating as we have to deal with classmates and teachers making racist jokes and comments while not being able to say anything against, silenced by the fear of being labeled as over dramatic or sensitive.

One positive side to these stereotypes have been the outrageous questions and requests I get asked from curious strangers and classmates. “Do you people believe in Santa?” “Does your dad work at Dunkin’ Donuts?” “Can you say something in Indian?” are a few of my favorites. I cannot count how many times I have been asked where I’m from, followed by a “No, where are you really from” after I answer Munster, as if they expected me to have just hopped off a plane from Pakistan.

Growing up in a town where almost everyone you see looks different from you has its advantages and downsides. For one, my parents rarely had to introduce themselves at parent-teacher conferences. On the other hand, I would also face getting called exotic by my third-grade teacher.

One thing I want for my peers is to become more interested in learning about other ways of life, and becoming more compassionate to people that look different from them. Learning that the world around them is far vaster than this small, 80 percent Caucasian town will prove to be far more valuable in the long run.

guest opinion by Johnathan Bryson-Harvey

Everyone feels the pressure to get good grades, get accepted into college, and to hopefully lead a successful life, just as society expects. However, it is different for us. For us, the social or racial outsiders, it is about disproving these stereotypes society places on us. It is about showing that we are destined to do more than just end up on a t-shirt. For us, it is about not becoming just another statistic, or tragic story bound to happen.

Although these clichés directly apply to me, we all have social barriers that we can feel imprisoned by.

Living as an African-American male, I am beginning to realize society is waiting for me—along with everyone else that looks like me—to make a mistake, a mistake that proves that I am “just like all the others”. With all of the external weight placed on us, people can not help but place an even heavier burden on us in the form of modern-day racism and other prejudices.

Racism today in my environment takes the form of loosely and freely used slang that can have offensive undertones behind them. Often, modern prejudice is dismissed as nothing compared to what our ancestors faced, and most have a history of oppression that others use to justify careless prejudices. However, with the increased responsibility and pressure placed on African-Americans and other minorities, which is intensified by social media and news outlets, it is arguable that modern minorities face circumstances just as harsh.

Instead of manifesting itself through violence and physical acts of hate—modern-day bigotry—both racial and social, takes the form of emotional, social and psychological trauma.

The many people who have become indifferent to the stereotypes placed on them by their environment do not receive the respect they deserve, as they have made it through a portion of their life remaining unfamiliar to the joy of belonging. The next time you think about loosely dropping an offensive term, even just for fun, consider your environment: remember that you may just be an unpleasant reminder to someone of how they do not belong.

Most importantly, realize that you are, in some way, different too.

Breaking

Look around you. what do you see? our worlds are hinged on personal perspective, but listening to others is equally important. must be signed and should be either emailed to the editor (alexislindenmayer@gmail.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia.

•Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 13 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.

Our Staff

Editor-in-Chief Alexis Lindenmayer Managing Editor Alyssa Bass

The

Silence

A four part series on race: Part 3

Executive Editor Mercedez Williams Design Editors Lilia Brunetti, Adam Klaich Copy Editor Atarah Israel Page Editors Gage Hoekstra, Alison Lee, Alexis Perez Erianna Sims Director of Photography Charlie Hofferth Head Photographer/Graphics Editor Robert Young Chief Photographer Lana Salahieh Photographers Madi Green, Henry Hofferth, Max Lindenmayer, Lauren Morris, Cali Petersen, Anthony Young Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

Feb. 14, 2020

Munster High School Crier

5i n f o c u s

Life is like a box of chocolates Crier samples various Valentine’s Day chocolate boxes Lindt

Chardell

Ghiradelli

Gage Hoekstra and Mercedez Williams

photos by Max Lindenmayer

Page Editor and Executive Editor

Mercedez: With Valentine’s Day being today, a go-to for many couples or friends, is to get one another chocolate. I, for one, dislike chocolate very much (excluding white chocolate), and was hoping to be pleasantly surprised by the three boxes of chocolate reviewed. To put it bluntly, I was not.

Gage: Chocolate heart boxes have long been a staple of Valentine’s Day, but because of both the cost and specificity of this gift few people get the chance to compare. As a lover of all things sweet I took it upon myself to devour as many chocolates as I could get my hands on, all in service to Crier.

Piece by piece

Crier bought chocolate boxes from Walgreen’s, for anyone looking to help anyone in need of a last minute gift. Below, we will place the price per chocolate in each box.

Lindt $24.99

Ghiradelli Chardell $9.99 $4.99

Gage With the lowest price and largest assortment of any of the boxes we sampled, Chardell has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, many of the chocolates this selection offered were rather disappointing. This is not to say that they were all bad. In fact, some were quite enjoyable, but they simply did not reach the same level of quality as the other selections.

With a middling price range, and a delicious assortment, Ghirardelli is my most recommended box. Each chocolate was more than enjoyable, and the box provided an acceptable assortment of different chocolates.

Additionally, the heart shape and neat design of each chocolate gave this box a beautiful look.

The most expensive of the assortments we purchased, Lindt’s box was also of the highest quality that I sampled. This box provided a large variety of differing chocolates each sublime in its own right. Unfortunately, the exorbitant price tag serves to offset the attractiveness of this assortment, making Lindt best saved for special occasions.

Chardell

Gage’s Rating

Mercedez’s Rating

Ghiradelli Gage’s Rating Mercedez’s Rating

Lindt Gage’s Rating

Mercedez’s Rating

Mercedez This is definitely the more affordable option, but there is not much variety and the only filling that was remotely decent was the marshmallow filling. Price does not always equate to quality, but in this situation, it did for the most part. It was not the worst out of all the boxes, as I liked a couple of the chocolates, but I was still disappointed.

These chocolates were the prettiest and I had high expectations for this box, abut yet again, I was disappointed. The chocolate was not sweet enough and the flavors that were mixed did not go together. It tasted like something a child would make by mixing random things they found in the pantry. It was disgusting.

You could tell these were of higher quality. Once you bit into them, they have a filling of the chocolate that was soft and very pleasing to eat—for most of them at least. I actually liked some of these chocolates: the white chocolate was heavenly and even the milk chocolate with hazelnut was pretty good. I would recommend this to anyone who can afford it.

1 chocolate = 10 cents

PARAGON 2019 Yearbook

Last Day to Buy: April 11

yearbookordercenter.com code: 3357 Yearbook Pickup will be May 14

i n f o c u s6

Munster High School Crier

Feb. 14, 2020

Feb. 14, 2020

Munster High School Crier

7i n f o c u s

Battle of the Bands takes place on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium

Munster’s Got Talent takes place Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Theatre at the Center

FRÖG Despite coming together last min-

Gillian Archer

ute, Mira Costello, junior, thinks FRÖG will keeep playing together after Battle of the Bands.

“Rachel had actually been trying to get a group together for a few years, but it never really worked out,” Mira said. “So this year, she just posted on Snapchat and was like, ‘hey, would anyone want to be in a group for Battle of the Bands?’ And I was like, ‘Yes!’ The band’s name is personal.

“I love frogs. I think they’re so cute.

And I want one so bad,” Mira said. “Rachel and I were talking and I was like, ‘Rachel, I know this is gonna sound crazy, but what if our name was frog,’ and she loved it. We decided to put a little oomout over the O just because

Apollo Selene

Apollo Selene may be the smallest band, but they won’t let themselves be out done.

“Our openness (separates us from other bands), Ethan Lieser, senior said.

“We don’t really play straight from the sheet, we improvise, we play it how we’re feeling. It’s a lot of expression and a lot of in the moment kind of stuff. I think just how we communicate with each other while we’re playing, we have a lot of good cues and think we sound good now.”

Ethan loves playing music, following inspiring influences such as Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Grateful Dead, and Jimmy Hendrix.

“My favorite part of playing music is being able to express myself through

The Spectrum

Playing together as a band for the first time, the Spectrum has bonded during their practices.

“We always come meet on weekends,” Naomi Fefferman, freshman, said. “And half time we’re playing and half the time we’re all just laughing together and having a good time.”

Having a diverse group of members, The Spectrum picked their name based on the spectrum of different races each of them were.

“At first we were just completely unsure, Naomi said. “Then Tatum (Hernandez, freshman) was like, ‘how about The Spectrum?’ She thought it sounded cool. So we looked up what it

Free Ice Cream Building off their win from last year, Free Ice Cream’s goal is to play fun music, get the audience involved, and have a good time.

“Last year at battle was super fun, I think when I remember that for a long time, just being on stage with those guys and our tuxes and playing awesome music,” Henry Sklar, senior, said.

“We invite people to participate in our music. By that I mean getting everyone dancing, clapping along.”

Not only is this their second year in Battle of the Bands, it is also their second year playing together as a band.

“This had been something that we’ve been dreaming of doing since like our elementary school days,” Henry said. “So all we needed to do was find a singer, and then we found Milena (Trivunovic, senior). We then got together and played and we’ve been adding on people ever since. We wanted to do more music that people would recognize and dance to with instru-

I don’t even know why. It was Rachel’s idea, but we thought it would be fun.”

Through song decisions and thrifted costumes, FRÖG works to distinguish themselves from the other bands.

“That’s the question we’ve all been asking ourselves like, how are we going to stand out?” Mira said. “Our set is a good mix of like, different genres. And well-known songs that I think the audience will like. Also our look is going to be pretty unique, and then we have a surprise too.

Members: Mira Costello: Keyboard/Vocals Rachel Dawson: Bass/Vocals Luke Aune: Guitar Gavin Clark: Bass/Vocals Sirius Ortiz: Vocals

Grade: Senior Talent/Act: Vocal Solo Song: “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables What excites you most about singing?

“I simply enjoy singing and practicing for the performance is half the fun.

My mom is a singer, with a college degree in vocal performance and music education, and almost everyday we are able to spend time together learning songs and improving my technique.”

Tatum Hernandez

the instrument without having to speak, just musically,” Ethan said.

“I can express myself by how hard I played notes or how soft or how loud.”

Greek mythology inspired their band name.

“I am student aide for Mr. (Joshua) Herold and he was talking about Greek mythology,” Ethan said. “He started talking about different gods and goddesses and Apollo came up and he’s the god of light, music, and healing.

Then Selene, the Goddess of the moon.

I kinda just thought they were cool names put together.”

Grade: Freshman Talent/Act: Vocal Solo Song: “From Eden” by Hozier As you get older, are you looking to pursue a career based in singing or acting? Why or why not?

“As I get older, I hope to eventually begin putting my own music out into the world. Singing and playing the guitar is what keeps me going. When I get up on stage there is this feeling, as if I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Can you feel the beat?

Members: Gabe Haro: Drums/Vocals Ethan Lieser: Guitar/Vocals Robert Young: Guitar/Saxophone/Vocals

Delaney Craig

Grade: 8th Talent/Act: Guitar/Vocal Solo

Patience Thorbs

Coverage of Battles of the Bands and Munster’s Got Talent

Grade: Freshman Talent/Act: Vocal Solo Song: “Pretty Hurts” by Beyonce What do you feel will make your vocal solo any different from the many other solo performances?

What makes your voice so unique?

“I feel that if you’re passionate about the song and it’s connecting to you, it presents itself differently and could come out amazing,” Patience said.

Alexis Lindenmayer and Erianna Sims Editor-in-Chief and Page Editor

actually meant and then we’re like that actually works perfectly.”

Naomi shares her and her band’s feelings on the competition aspect of Battle of the Bands.

“I think everyone in the battle has a fair chance at winning,” Naomi said.

“I don’t think our band is in it to win, but not that we can’t win. We are doing it more for the experience and good times.”

Jack Sklar

Grade: 7th Talent/Act: Drum Solo What makes playing the drums so special to you?

“I consider it to be a family trait I have inherited,” Jack said. “My father played drums, and when my brother was born, he taught him how to play the drums. Now, that gift has passed on to me like a family heirloom.”

Members: Kevon Carter: Drums Giselle Edwards: Vocals Naomi Fefferman: Guitar Tatum Hernandez: Guitar/Vocals mentation.

The band’s name was suggested as a joke last year, but its success follows them into this year.

“We were trying to think of what people would come for, even if they didn’t know who we were, like, free something,” Henry said.

With a band of lifelong friends, everyone shares a love of music.

“Music is a gift that humans sometimes take for granted. The ability to collaborate on something like music, and play along with other people,” Henry said. “My best friends are the people I play music with and I wouldn’t have met them if I had not started playing drums all those years ago. I definitely don’t regret making this band and asking people to play with me. We have some rough patches, because sometimes it’s hard to get everybody there, but I think in the end, we all are glad that we decided to do it.”

DeAnthony Bowden Grade: 8th Talent/Act: Vocal Solo

Eliana Candelaria

Grade: Junior Talent/Act: Vocal Solo Song: “I Don’t Wanna Be You Anymore” by Billie Eilish Are you nervous or looking forward to singing? How do you think you’ll feel when the day comes?

“Overall, I’m very nervous to perform in front of a lot of people and classmates, but I’m excited to share my voice as well,” Eliana said. “When the day comes, I will be nervous but I will do my best to sing this song from the heart.”

Ariyah Jamerson Grade: 8th Talent/Act: Vocal Solo

Elliot McKeever

Grade: Freshman Talent/Act: Vocal Solo Song: “Lovely” by Billie Eilish As you get older, are you looking to pursue a career based on singing?

Why or why not?

“I am planning to pursue a career in singing because it is something I believe I’m good at, and I enjoy it,”

Joe Hladek, Sam Thompson, Keane Haesle Grade: 8th Talent/Act: Band

Gabriella Kajmakoski and Annalise Andello

Grade: 8th Talent/Act: Dance What makes dance so special to you?

“Dance is very special to me because I’ve been doing it for ten years,” Gabriella said. “I do it competitively and I really think that I could do it when I’m older too because it just makes me happy.”

Making a return

photos by Robert Young, Madi Green, Anthony Young

THE BEAT NEVER STOPS (Starting from the top) Ethan Lieser, senior, Jack Sklar, 7th grade, Elliot McKeever, freshman, Gabriella Kajmakoski, 8th grade, Mira Costello, junior, Delaney Craig, 8th grade, and Milena Trivunovic, senior.

Members: Mihail Babus: Keyboard/Drums Antonio Cantu: Trumpet Corey Dennis: Saxophone Amir Henderson: Guitar Shane Hoogewerf: Bass Guitar Nikolai Hoogewerf: Violin Sasha Ilijevski: Flute/Saxophone/ Percussion Chris Perez: Trombone Henry Sklar: Drums/Vocals Daniel Tabaczynski: Saxophone Mara Trivunovic: Guitar/Percussion/ Vocals Milena Trivunovic: Keyboard/Vocals Michael Van Deursen: Trumpet

Last year’s champion Zoe O’Shaughnessy, senior, returns to Munster’s Got Talent. Zoe won the first ever Munster’s Got Talent competition last year playing Harp, and will be performing again during

Flying solo

Solo acts for Battle of the Bands

Nikolai Hoogewerf

Rachel Dawson

Rob Young

Playing a violin mashup of the songs “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy and “The Arena” by Lindsey Stirling

Playing piano and singing “i love you” Playing guitar and singing “This Old

by Billie Eilish Dog” by Mac DeMarco

Playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine and singing “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars

“I feel that since no performer in the history of Battle of the Bands has played a solo act on a string instrument, much less a mashup of songs, I have a monopoly in this respect and I can only hope to perform above my expectations.”

“I don’t think I stand out particu“I will stand out from the lulary. I just enjoy playing to the others with the energy of my performance and the connection hearts of the auidence.”

I will create with the wonderful audience. Of course, everyone will stick out in their own beautiful way.”

“I’m going to be playing the most instruments. As one person alone I am playing more than all the other people”

David Adams

photo by Robert Young

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER At Munster’s Got Talent last year Charlie Misovye, emcee, introduces Zoe O’Shaughnessy, senior, before she does her performance. “I am excited to play at intermission because it’ll be my last performance for this competition,” Zoe said.

“It’ll be like passing the torch to the next winner.”

i n f o c u s8 1

Munster High School Crier

Feb. 14, 2020

BAC K TALK

2

If you could write anything on a candy heart, what would it say?

Always someone to lean on

“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?”

- Jack Meyer freshman

“No, you!”

- Ayush Arora freshman

4

3

“The whole recipe “Give me a small for Aunt Jemima check of a million Pancakes.” dollars.”

- Grace Roberts sophomore

- Christopher Shaver sophomore

photo by Charlie Hofferth

When February comes around, the world is draped with shades of pink and Design Editor red. Schools, offices, and houses have paper cutouts of hearts taped to the wall, stores are filled with candy hearts and boxes filled with little paper valentine cards. It’s clear love is in the air and while the main focus of the holiday is romantic love, it is also worth it to be appreciative of a love without romance: platonic love. Platonic love is a term to define a close friendship, but a friendship in which those involved feel more like siblings rather than

Adam Klaich

1

Tatum Hernandez and Giselle Edwards, freshmen

Q: Why did you connect?

Giselle Edwards: We just have a lot in common and we just really connected on a spiritual level. We’re really just like each other.

Q: Is there anything you like to do a lot?

Giselle: We like to sing a lot, I play the guitar and other instruments.

Tatum Hernandez: And while she does that, I sing.

Q: Can platonic relationships be as good or better than romantic ones?

Tatum: Yeah, she’s going to be around forever. When I’m in a relationship, I know she’s stuck with me.

3

Francis Hovland and Rajiv Kalluri, juniors

Q: How did you become friends??

Rajiv Kalluri: We met in MRT, freshman year. He 3D printed this lightsaber and he was swinging it around, so I went to say hi to Francis and he smacked me in the knee. We didn’t talk much after that, but we joined speech after that.

Francis Hovland: We did speech the next year, and now we are here.

Q: What holds you guys together?

Francis: I think it was just how wild of a piece we wanted to do for speech and how well it worked. It’s probably because we’re nerds too.

Q: Any favorite stories?

Rajiv: One of my favorite memories was when we went to see Into the Spider-Verse. I was sick and he dragged me out of my house and said ‘We are seeing this movie, you’re going to watch it, and you’re going to love it!’ And I did love it.

Q: Can platonic relationships be as good or better than romantic ones?

Francis: There’s a different type of dynamic, when you’re actual friends, you talk all the time, you ask them what they want to do, but in a romantic relationship it’s more of just being in their presence. I don’t know, I’m terrible at that stuff.

In the wake of Valentine’s Day, Crier and students reflect upon their close friendships.

2

Jenna Kosco, Avery Beerling, Abby Silva, sophomores

Q:How did you become friends?

Abby Silva: I would say just being on the dance team.

Avery Beerling: Yeah, we have a small group together and we do an ensemble.

Q: What holds you guys together?

Abby: We all act like idiots all of the time and it just rubs off on each other.

Jenna Kosco: Yeah, we are crazy.

Q: What do you guys like to do together?

Abby: TikToks, shopping, and eating.

Avery: Oh yeah. Eating’s a big one.

Abby: and that’s pretty much it, We do everything together.

Avery: (Also) breathing and sleeping.

Q: Can platonic relationships be as good or better than romantic ones?

All: For sure!

Avery: Obviously, we are loyal friends together and we would never break each other’s hearts.

4

Maddison and Maguire Butler, seniors and twins

Q: What holds you together?

Maddison Butler: We live together.

Maguire Butler: Yeah, we live together and we are into the same stuff so it’s easy to go ‘hey Madison, look at this funny thing.’

Q: Do you have any favorite memories with each other?

Maddison: My favorite memory was in middle school. We were still on them hateful vibes (toward each other), we had the PS4 hooked up to the TV in the main room and I wanted to play PS4, but McGuire was like ‘no, I want to play PS4’ (Maguire: Because I wanted to play with my friends.) And I said ‘No, because I want to play’ and then we started fighting. I punched him, he pushed me, I pushed him on the couch, and then our mom came in and started yelling.

Maguire: That is also my favorite memory Q: How has being twins impacted you?

Maguire: It really just made it easier to not have to care about anyone else.

Maddison: Yeah, it’s more like you’re just in your own bubble.

We always have someone to talk to no matter what.

Q: Can platonic relationships be as good as or better than romantic ones?

Both: Yes! Maddison: I hate romance.

Maguire: I do not hate romance. It’s kind of really cute and really awesome, but friends can definitely fill that void better sometimes.

“Can I put my Minecraft bed next to yours?”

- Caleb Quinones junior

“The Communist Manifesto in one point font.”

- Ben Melon junior

“Platonic Forever.” “Vote in your 2020 elections.”

- Anya Fitzpatrick senior

- Mitchell Walsh senior

“Joe Webster has huge muscles...

Joe Webster has massive pectorals.”

“Aidan Smith, you have a great smile.”

- Aidan Smith senior

- Joe Webster senior

Feb. 14, 2020

Munster High School Crier

9i n f o c u s

Can I go to the bathroom?

Design Editor

I hope there is toilet paper avaliable...

It’s been 4 hours...

I hope the stall door works...

I don’t know, can you?

Bathroomsw—a place that divides us based on our gender identity and anatomy; however they are necessary for everyone. They are subject to a great amount of use in every house, building, and school, leading to expected wear and tear. Some bathrooms can reach the peak of disrepair with nonfunctional facilities, hygiene issues, and a number of other problems. It is important to discuss these issues, as they are a necessary component of human life.

Despite having natural bodily functions, certain students have an altered view of bathroom usage, particularly at school. Sources close to the Crier staff report that there are unstated rules about when and which bathrooms to use, as well as how. According to these sources, there are certain times alloted to certain functions. Some see this as an action of respect to students in the bathrooms, but others see it as a way for saving themselves from embarressment. Additionally, some report walking the length of the school just to preserve their own privacy — favoring locations with updated stall doors and locks. They believe that going out of their way to do this is excessive, but necessary under current circumstances. However, with the installation of the new stall doors, this problem is slowly becoming alleviated.

Some girls are saved by the whispering and a subtle transaction behind their backpacks or desks.

But for others, they rely on the privacy of feminine hygiene machines to avoid the taboo of menstruation health. At the start of the school year, administration has installed feminine hygiene machines within every female bathroom of the school. However, these machines had not been filled and ate coins, leaving desperate girls at odds for adequate care before they must rush back to class.

According to Mr. Mike Wells, principal, administration was aware of their installation and placed the custodial staff in charge of refilling these dispensers. However, they had been unaware that the machines had been unstocked, nor that the dispensers would take money regardless of no items. Now aware, administration will increase communication with the custodian staff to stock the machines.

During her sophomore year, Milena Trivunovic, senior, petitioned the school for the installation of sanitary dispensers, after not being able to obtain necessary care at school. She received 500 signatures and brought the issue to administration, who in turn compromised on dispensers that required $0.25 for each pad or tampon.

“It was difficult to put myself out there and even ask other people for help, but I was passionate about this issue and extremely concerned that other girls were experiencing the same thing that I did,” Milena said. “A lot of boys signed too. They were usually confused, but invested once I explained it or equally shocked that we didn’t already have them.”

The availability of pads and tampons for women should be viewed in the same light as society views toilet paper: necessary, according to Trivunovic.

“When I was explaining the petition to boys who wanted to sign, I always asked, ‘Can you imagine the riots that would happen if the school charged for toilet paper?’” Milena said, “For me, pads and tampons are the same way. Periods are a part of life for girls, and if the school provides toilet paper and paper towels, they should provide pads and tampons as well. They’re just a necessary part of keeping yourself clean and hygienic.”

Between a lack of both societal discourse and understanding between both genders, Mira Fefferman, senior, believes that normalizing the conversation about periods is essential.

“It may not be the most appetizing thing to talk about, but it’s a natural bodily function that women have,” Mira said. “A lot of girls are embarrassed about menstruation and men are often repulsed by it. I think that the stigma around it has to change and we have to create a safe open space to have discussion about the topic and we have to be accommodating of everyone.”

Insufficient stall doors have been a frequent issue tackled on both student council presidential campaigns and complaints among male students.

However, over the past few weeks administration has been replacing stall doors in the boys’ bathroom.

“Stall doors are missing from the boys’ bathrooms, and for a while there was only one stall with a door in all of the South building,” James Shelton, senior, said.

“I know a lot of people that this has affected as well. I know a friend had to walk across the building because of his fear of being walked in on.”

Multiple male students have also cited issues such as broken locks, wet floors, and overflowing (toilets).

These factors make the bathroom experience less convienient and cause people to avoid them entirely, resulting in discomfort. The delay of refurbishments is a result of the lengthy process involved in replacing these doors.

In order to efficiently fix this issue, administration had to source and order retrofit parts for the current doors. Despite this effort, they believe that the current state of the bathrooms is also partially the fault of some students.

“Unfortunately, we have some kids in the school that don’t respect school property,” Mr. Wells said. “They’re kicking the doors and we try to go into the bathrooms to stop this. We want our kids to think that this is their home.”

For all students facing these issues, from insufficient supplies to mere bathroom usage, the health services office can ease this stress off of their shoulders.

Female students often obtain supplies from the health services office due to a lack of available supplies at school, according to Mrs. Minnie Martinez, school nurse. Moreover, boys have turned to using the nurse’s bathroom for both a sense of privacy and a cleaner environment. She believes students are always welcome in her office for supplies and someone to confide in.

“I would say, my office is a safe place,” Mrs. Martinez said. “You can talk to me about anything. I am here to listen and to help ease some feelings of embarrassment, as long as they trust me enough to tell me.”

You ask to go too often I wonder if the machines are filled...

Why didn’t you go during passing period?

Lilia Brunetti

Is it an emergency?

Students discuss problems and offer solutions regarding feminine hygiene dispensers and stall doors

photo by Cali Petersen

s p o r t 10 s

Munster High School Crier

Feb. 14, 2020

Mamba

How much is too much?

forever opinion by Adam Klaich

Athletes and athletic director respond to IHSAA’s amended rules for sports conditioning Alison Lee Page Editor

Before, athletes were not allowed to condition under the guidance of coaches. Now, they can. Two years ago, Indiana High School Athletic Association, or IHSAA, amended several rules to allow coaches to work with their athletes in the off season.

However, the question stands if an increase in flexibility in conditioning is better or worse for athletes.

“I think (the IHSAA rule) probably helped,” Mr. Ira Zimmer, athletic director, said. “Before these rules were in place, you weren’t allowed to practice in the off season. Now you get to meet with your coach.”

However, being a year-round athlete is hard on the body and exercising constantly may create injuries. Libby Fesko, sophomore, is a year-round athlete with cross country, tennis and conditioning in between. While she was in dance, she had a hip injury she struggled with during her seasons.

“I think while I was injured, it was probably best to just stop,” Libby said. “I just didn’t want to stop. But I think the conditioning helps get you stronger to prevent things like that.

I think if I would have conditioned better before, like strengthening that hip specifically, it would have turned out better.”

Several other year-round athletes agreed conditioning is helpful.

However, conditioning should be approached carefully. Nikki Sullivan, sophomore, balances out volleyball, basketball and softball to stay in the best shape possible.

“I wouldn’t say more or less but you

photo by Henry Hofferth

GETTING STRONGER Zach Lenaburg, sophomore, performs a dead-lift. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the football team weight train in preparation of their next season.

don’t want to overdo (conditioning),” Nikki said. “You don’t want to tire yourself, but you don’t want to not do it. Then you’ll be super out of shape.”

Conditioning has helped several athletes for preventing injuries, and the amended IHSAA rules have contributed to an improvement in athletic teams and lessening the number of injuries.

“Even though conditioning may be hard and you might not want to do it, I think in the long run, it is worth it,” Libby said. “It helps you get stronger

and better. Overall it’s a good process.”

Despite having to grapple with the struggles conditioning entails, athletes are motivated to work hard to be the best they can be. Jacob Cipowski, sophomore, is in cross country and track, which requires constant endurance and practice.

“In a race if somebody beats you, you want to be able to beat that person,” Jacob Cipowski, sophomore, said. “It drives you to keep pushing faster, especially in workouts.”

The perfect pitch Robby Chambers, sophomore, talks about his baseball experiences during conditioning season

Q: How does conditioning for baseball affect your body and performance as an athlete?

A: Conditioning can make you sore for a few days, (but) it’s beneficial because you get stronger and faster.

Q: Why do you condition and what motivates you to improve?

A: I’m motivated to improve to be the best player possible.

Illustration by Henry Hofferth

GET IN FORMATION Diagram of pitching formation demonstrated by Robby Chambers, sophomore.

Swim continues successful season Boys’ Swim heads to Sectionals on Feb. 20 and 22 at Lake Central Alyssa Bass Managing Editor

Postseason has begun for Boys’ Swim, which means they have begun tapering, which means practices consist of less yards that are less intense.

Students like Fenry Zhou, junior, feels confident about going into Preliminaries on Thursday, Feb. 20. and Sectional Finals takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22.

“I mean, we are pretty much going to win,” Zhou said. “There’s really no question about it. So we are mainly going to focus on State this year, because that’s where the big competition is.”

photo by Robert Young

UNDER WATER At the last home meet for Boys’ Swim and Dive against Chesterton, Aidan Smith, senior, swims freestyle. Boys’ Swim lost the meet 92-87.

At Preliminaries, three individuals and three relay teams from each school swim in respected events. At the end of the meet, the top 16 move onto the Sectionals finals on Feb. 22.

Every year for Sectionals, the Boys’

and Girls’ Swim teams TP each other’s houses. The boys TPed the girls’ houses on Feb. 7 for their Sectionals and the girls will TP the boys team for their long standing tradition.

Last month, Kobe Bryant— a legendary basketball player, a loving father and an international icon—tragically died, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash. There is no doubt that almost everyone has heard his name before. He’s a five time NBA champion, a two time Olympic Gold Medalist, 15 time NBA All Star, the 2008 NBA MVP, he currently sits 4th on the NBA all time scoring list, and his numbers 8 and 24 will forever be attached with his nickname The Black Mamba, or Mamba for short. He also fueled one of the most popular and well known sports jokes in history — shouting ‘Kobe!’ as you throw a paper ball into a trashcan. After his death, social media was flooded with tributes and messages to him and his family with pictures and videos of his life and merchandise.

His death plunged Los Angeles and the world of sports into mourning. He was so important to basketball fans, some tried to persuade the NBA to use Bryant’s siloutte for the logo instead of the current one, Jerry West, former player and one of Kobe’s mentors, they use now. The amount of talent and hustle Bryant had was unparalleled to almost anyone. His drive was displayed in his immense passion for basketball and I believe every athlete should aspire to follow in his footsteps.

I still remember when I first watched him in the early 2010’s, I was dumbfounded by how he flew up and down the court, how he slipped through numerous defenders, and how he made shots that I didn’t even think were possible. He instantly became one of my favorite players and watching him was always a sight to see. Even after two weeks, I still cannot wrap my head around the idea that the legend is gone; when you saw a picture of Kobe Bryant, you would see him as an invisible superhero who still had a long life ahead of him.

I think Kobe Bryant should be considered within the top three players of all time, equal to the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, maybe even better. The man had everything; he had the skill, the drive, a great and unique style and he was always a good sport no matter what the outcome of a game or situation was. His persona is everything a great basketball player should be.

In a recent interview, close friend and NBA superstar LeBron James recounted how Bryant was the happiest he’d ever seen him in his retirement. He explained how being able to witness his daughters grow up and be there for him brought out a new Kobe Bryant no one had ever seen. My heart was broken by Kobe and his daughter Gianna’s deaths and it was impossible for my brain to process the sentence “Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash” when I first read the headlines. I think it made many, including myself, realize how fragile life is and how valuable family is. Since his death, I’ve tried to be more appreciative of time spent with family and friends and I think we all should try to do that.

Kobe Bryant was, and will forever be, one of my favorite players to ever grace the basketball court. Fans across the world will remember him as the legend he was. In the words of LeBron James, “Mamba out, but never forgotten.”

Feb. 14, 2020

11s p o r t s

Munster High School Crier

Minute by minute, play by play, win by win [

[

Girls’ Basketball Sectional on Feb. 5 Go big or go home. Now Sectional champions, Girls’ Basketball is definitely not going home. The team had exemplified this saying by starting their first night of Sectionals at Lake Central with a bang, winning against Gary West Side with a score of 66 to 40.

With the girls now Sectional champs, and upcoming boys game, Crier reports moment by moment coverage of last week’s games

Nearly undefeated with a current record of 17-1, the boys’ basketball team defended their home turf against Griffith, with a final score of 71-37. With sectionals right around the corner on March 7, the boys’ win Thursday night furthered their scope of success.

Lilia Brunetti and Atarah Israel

[

Design Editor and Copy Editor

Player introductions and first quarter at 8:08 p.m.

As the ball is thrown up in the air by the referee, Gary gains possession of it. After an intense possession, Gary scores the first point of the game and adds to their score with a three pointer. Soon after, Holly Kaim, junior, scores Munster’s first points off of a free throw.

With 1:20 left in the first photo by Robert Young ALL IN Dribbling the ball quarter, Munster leads 9 to 7. As against a West Side player, both student sections cheer with Kayla Ziel, junior, dominates excitement, Emily Zabrecky, senior, the court. makes one last layup to finish out the quarter.

[

Boys’ Basketball game on Feb. 6

[

Player introductions and first quarter at 7:23 p.m.

Alive with excitement and fanfare, the boys take to the court with the starting five preparing for tipoff. Within the first six minutes of the game, Munster gains the first point by Luka Balac, junior. This

streak continued with another two points sealed by Jeremiah Lovett, junior. The end of the quarter featured stunts and encouragement from the cheer team, helping the team earn a final shot by Balac.

[

Second quarter at 7:38 p.m.

Second quarter at 8:29 p.m.

As the second quarter goes underway, Nikki Sullivan, sophomore, Holly Kaim and Kayla Ziel, juniors, Emily Zabrecky, Sara Zabrecky, seniors, take the court. Gary

[

quickly scores the first point, tying the game, but Munster retaliates scoring four points and a free throw. As the buzzer is about to blow, Munster scores one more point, the score now 35 to 21.

Third quarter at 8:58 p.m.

After returning from their halftime locker room discussion of the game, Munster scores the first point of the quarter. The game

[Fourth quarter at

photo by Lana Salahieh

continues in similar fashion to the previous quarters, but Munster really pulls away, ending the quarter 53 to 24, and enthralling the engaged and shouting crowd.

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES Playing against a Griffith guard, Josh Davis, senior, prepares to pass the ball.

[

With a paralleled sense of energy, Munster’s Jeremiah Lovett, junior, scored, followed by a team time out and huddle. Munster’s fouls and increasing points for Griffith were shadowed when Josh Davis, senior, darted with a powerful offensive across the court — defying Griffith’s defense and securing another two points. From all perimeters of the sidelines, fans were hollering for their team, who ended the first half in the lead. With the sound of the buzzer, the boys traded their stage with the dance team for the halftime show.

Third quarter at 8:07 p.m.

9:15 p.m.

photo by Lana Salahieh

MOMENT OF PEACE Before he throws the ball back into game, Tim Giannini, senior, shares a moment with the crowd, “So many emotions were running through my head, but what I felt most was desire,” Giannini said. “I’ve had a desire to beat them so badly.”

[

Fourth quarter at 8:24 p.m.

photo by Robert Young

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK Taking a rest from the game, Girls’ Basketball shares a laugh. The girls went on to win the game against Gary West Side 66 to 40.

Following the “garbage time”—time in which Munster was a guaranteed winner—and 50/50 awards during the third quarter, Lovett defined himself as the highlight of the second half. He dunked on all below him, putting his team in the perfect place for a win. The boys won 71-37, and ran out to the court to meet their supporters.

s t u d e n t l i f 12 e

Munster High School Crier

Feb. 14, 2020

Unmasking Turnabout With Turnabout next Saturday, students and teachers discuss the prospects for the night Alexis Perez Page Editor

Once Upon a time there was The morning of the dance the a winter formal dance, where girls ask the boys due to tradition. That dance is With Turnabout approaching quickly, Turnabout and the theme this survey shows upcoming dance outlooks year is Masquerade Ball. Masks will be provided for guest at How are you attending TB? the dance. This is a night for students to take pictures, 38% group dance, socialize, and support the Cheer team.

The Cheer team and Ms. 7% solo Kristen Szafasz, social studies 55% date teacher and Cheer coach are the coordinators of the dance.

Ms. Szafasz is excited for the outcome of the event.

Majority of girls are purchasing new “Just getting a group of kids dresses...

Majoriy of boys are reusing suits together who haven’t had a source: Googleforms survey of 345 from Feb. 4-10 dance since homecoming,” Ms. Szafasz said. “It’s the last cheerleaders have to get up at 8 a.m. to time the lowerclassmen would go to a set up the Masquerade theme. dance this year.”

Students like Daniel Nozick, The cheerleaders have been planning sophomore, have high hopes for the the event since January. They filter night. through music suggestions, decorate “I am super excited for Turnabout,” the gym, and manage the occasion.

Daniel said “I have never been “A lot of the cheerleaders parents before,so I am hoping something cool purchase a lot of the items,” Leena and new will come of it.”

Campagna, freshman and a varsity For Turnabout tickets, you have cheerleader, said. “Coach Szafasz to check your email for directions on helped us as well.” how to purchase the tickets online.

Turnabout Turnout

They have a whole new ticket venue this year. According to Ms. Szafasz, purchasing tickets will be a little bit more confusing since they have to be purchased off of a parent’s powerschool.

Date forms are due by 3 p.m. today. Bringing a date from outside of the school is always complicated for students. Kristen Baurain, sophomore, is bringing a date who is homeschooled.

“The process is just difficult,” Kristen said. “I think getting my passport was easier.”

Bringing a date from a different school consists of needing signatures from multiple individuals: administration from both schools, both attendees, and the date’s parents.

With a dance coming up, students are taking to social media to sell past dresses. Abbey Ruckert, senior, is selling a dress that she wore to a Lake Central’s Winter Formal “I spent a lot of money on it, and I would like to make the money back” Abbey said, “ I have never sold a dress before and I have never bought a dress from someone else. I have bought all my dresses from White Iris.”

photo illistration by Lauren Morris

Going with the Flow

Five steps to the new ticket venue process

1. Log into Parent’s Powerschool

2. Pay student fees

3. Select student name at top

4. Go to event tab, then Turnabout 2020 tickets

5. Select single MHS student and complete form

Fit for a King

Q and A’s with six nominees of Turnabout Court. Turnabout King will be announced at the Pep Rally next ƒriday.

Robert Young

Escort: Madi Green

Sami Muhrez

Michael Dywan

Q: If you could have Escort: Olivia Newman a kingdom anywhere, where would it be?

A: “Antarctica because then I have easy access to Santa’s Workshop.”

Q: What does it mean to you to be nominated?

A: “It means to me that I have made a positive impact upon enough of my peers lives for them to want to scroll to the bottom of the survey and select Robert Young.”

Cole Lesinski

Q: If you could eat one Escort: Delaney food for the rest of your McGinty life what would it be?

A: “Definitely pizza, I am a big italian guy so pizza is definitely up there.”

Q: What does it mean to you to be on the court?

A: “It’s a great honor and it’s great to share the court with those guys but its also a great feeling to get the respect from my class.”

describe your life what would it be?

A: “Good Boys because it’s some adolescent boys that lose their innocence way too early.”

Q: What does it mean to you to be nominated?

A: “It is such an honor to be nominated alongside these guys cause they come to school with a smile on their face and they are some of the friendliest people”

Escort: Hope Meierkort

Q: As a king if you could implement one “law” what would that be?

A: “Definitely push school back an hour.”

Q: What does it mean to you to be nominated?

A: “It is such an honor to be nomniated by my peers and it’s a great group of guys.”

Noel Fary

Jeff Hemmelgarn

Escort: Chloe Lambert Q: If one movie could

photos by Anthony Young, Robert Young, Chloe Lambert, Todd McKechnie

Q: As a king, if you could implement one “law” what would that be?

A: “We’d have slip and slide Satudays, where we set up slip and slides.”

Q: What does it mean to you to be on the court?

A:“It means I’ve found a place where I fit in. I’ve made some really good friends.”

Escort: Juli Nelson

Q: If you could describe yourself as an animal, what would it be?

A: “I would be a hyena because I am always laughing.”

Q: What does it mean to you to be nominated?

A: “I’m thankful for everyone that voted for me and it makes me happy to know that i have made a postive impact on my peers, I’m thankful for you all.”